Tom visits Penelope, who is still quite perplexed. He learns of the mistake and tries to convince Penelope that she must not be silly like the girl in the book, Tears, Idle Tears. However, she will not let him touch her, saying, “No, no! I can’t let you-yet!”
Analysis
One critic has called this the greatest chapter in all literature. He praises the emotional impact of Irene’s giving the love mementoes to Penelope. It is a sterling chapter, for it is one in which the symbols of romance are turned over to Penelope, and she must continue the romantic story. A good example of dramatic irony, it shows romance operating in reality, outside novels like Tears, Idle Tears.
The character of Irene is developed as she assumes the suffering which is rightfully hers. She must take it to spare the rest of the family. This illustrates Howells’ concept of the “economy of pain” that must exist in a realistic world. Irene’s decision to leave and her sleeping potion are both realistic solutions to her problem.
